Based on its common definition, temperature seems to be an objective measure of heat and cold. However, people with different genders experience the same temperature differently. Those assigned female at birth generally have higher thermal demand, meaning they need higher room temperature to feel comfortable.
A 2015 study published in Nature explains why. People assigned male at birth generally generate more heat than those assigned female (likewise, young people produce more heat than older people).
In many offices and public buildings, the temperature is set based on the thermal demand of a 70kg, 40-year old male – a figure dating from the 1960s, based on one test subject, that has not been revised since.
As a consequence, female-assigned office workers often feel cold at work, which may negatively impact their work performance, concentration levels and comfort.